Player Ratings - Colorado Rapids vs. Los Angeles Galaxy

In a physical, yet dominating performance, Colorado Rapids defeated Los Angeles Galaxy 2-0 at Dick’s Sporting Goods Park with Hendry Thomas and Dillon Powers scoring for the Rapids. The victory, their fourth in the last six games, brings the Rapids to 9-7-7 (34 points) and pushes them into second place. The 34 points are just 3 points off the 37 points the Rapids had in the entirety of the 2012 campaign.

Here is how I saw the match:

Clint Irwin - 7

Had two saves, but truly did not need to do much. The Galaxy did not threaten often which made for an easier night for Irwin.

Chris Klute - 7

Another solid performance from Klute who shows more and more each game his importance to this team. Was not truly threatened and kept up with the Galaxy offensive players as they attempted to move up the field.

Shane O’Neill - 7

O’Neill was solid as usual and make the Galaxy look silly on several of his runs up the field. Made a few crucial clearances that stopped Galaxy attacks.

Drew Moor - 7

The Captain was strong again in the middle and provided crucial clearances. Kept the back line organized and continued to work the ball upfield.

Marvell Wynne - 7

Wynne had a good game and had a shot on goal in his 70 minutes of work. Was subbed for fresh legs in German Mera.

Hendry Thomas - 5

This is a tough one for me this week. On one hand, he had the game winning goal and was a physical beast in controlling the midfield. But he, in all honesty, should have been sent off with a very poor studs up challenge. He will miss the Rocky Mountain Cup final this week because of suspension and against a team like Real Salt Lake, we surely could use him.

Nathan Sturgis - 7

Worked well with Thomas in the middle and helped control the Galaxy. Had a few sharp passes. Will be looked upon to lead the midfield charge with Thomas out next week.

Nick LaBrocca - 6

The only reason his rating is this low is he unfortunately left in the first half with an apparent injury. He did continue his fine form as of late and rocked the woodwork right before his substitution.

Dillon Powers - 9

A great game for the Rookie of the Year candidate. Had a goal and an assist and was very physical in the middle. Was the Galaxy’s favorite player to hack down though but still was very effective all night. A Man of the Match performance.

Deshorn Brown - 6

The other Rookie of the Year candidate had a quiet night, and did not record a shot on goal.

Edson Buddle 8

I have been critical of Buddle this season, but he was effective the bulk of the night and had the assist on the Powers goal. You have to wonder if the idea of a Designated Player, a striker no less, has lit a fire under Buddle.

Substitutes

Atiba Harris - 6

Harris came on for an injured LaBrocca and although he had less moments of me yelling "Oh, Atiba" he was not great. Is he the odd man out in the lineup if the Rapids sign a DP?

German Mera - 6

Came on for fresh legs for the final 20 minutes of the match.

Danny Mwanga - 6

Played the final 13 minutes for Brown and helped ensure the final result.